We encourage students to take responsibility in their personal planning for overseas programs to ensure a healthy and safe experience. Staying safe is important to consider when you go abroad and a reasonable amount of precaution is important.

Remain calm and inconspicuous; keep a low profile. Do not attract undue or unwanted attention to yourself by engaging in behaviors that can mark you as a tourist and thus as a target for pickpockets.

Always pay attention to your surroundings and belongings! Know where you are and where you are going. Don’t travel alone if you can avoid it, and make sure you don’t get separated from your companion(s).

Take a tour of your destination and surrounding areas shortly after you arrive.

Once you arrive in your host country, acquire a cell-phone. Give your number to your friends and family at home, your host institution, and save the local emergency numbers on your phone.

To the extent possible, adapt to local standards of dress so you do not stand out.

Be discreet and respectful when taking photographs. If you want to photograph people, ask for their permission first.

Carry a list of emergency contact numbers (local and at home) with you at all times.

Make sure someone else always knows your travel plans.

Travel in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing since you will swell up on a long flight. Wear shoes that are easy to remove for both security screening purposes and for comfort on the flight.

Remember for travel to or through the USA, TSA restrictions regarding carry on items, including limitations on liquids and gels (containers of 3 ounces or less, all must fit within a quart-sized Ziploc bag, and each traveler is limited to one such bag).